Ecology II

The course “ECOLOGY II” is a compulsory course in the 5th semester of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management. The lessons are only academic with no practical exercises. The final score comes from the written exams at the end of the semester.

Objectives

This is a third-year course aiming at the comprehension of mechanisms that govern the relations among living organisms themselves and with the environment. The course provides basic knowledge of ecology with specific application to biological resources management.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisite courses. It is, however, recommended that students should have a good knowledge of Biology.

Syllabus

General ecology terms. The major abiotic factors and their effects. Adaptations of organisms in the abiotic environment: law of the minimum and law of tolerance, thermal adaptations of organisms, adaptation to aquatic adversity, lethargy, immigration, biological rhythms, ecotypes. Populations: size and density, models of distribution in space, age-related organization, survival and fertility, population increase, population management. Intra- and inter population competition. Ecological niche. Predation. Regulation of population abundance: demographic fluctuations, ethology regulation. Harmful species management: harmful insects, mechanical treatment, pesticides, pheromones, biological regulation, indirect actions.